June 1, 2017

After a
college career in which he starred on offense as well as defense, Derby was
chosen by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL draft with
the intention of utilizing his speed in the defensive backfield. After
reporting to training camp significantly underweight, he was traded to the
Steelers where he made an impact on defense. He picked off four passes in 1958.

1959 Season Summary

Appeared in all
12 games

[Bracketed
numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions
– 7 [1, tied with Milt Davis & Don Shinnick]

Int. return
yards – 127 [2]

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries
– 0

Kickoff
Returns

Returns – 2

Yards – 32

Average per
return – 16.0

TDs – 0

Longest
return – 22 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 9

Yards – 16

Average per
return – 1.8

TDs – 0

Longest
return – 10 yards

Awards & Honors:

1st
team All-NFL: UPI, NY Daily News

2nd
team All-NFL: AP

Pro Bowl

Steelers went
6-5-1 to finish fourth in the NFL Eastern Conference.

Aftermath:

Derby
followed up with three interceptions in 1960 and was considered to be a sure
tackler as well as effective in pass coverage. He struggled in 1961 and was
waived and picked up by the expansion Minnesota Vikings. He spent one last NFL
season with Minnesota in 1962. Overall, Derby intercepted 21 passes, 14 of them
with Pittsburgh. His loutstanding 1959 season remained his best.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus
first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the
following statistical categories: